07/23/09

Freaky hipster haven

by mkathrynp

Combine two of the nastiest habits--smoking and drinking coffee--with a bunch of tattooed, hipper than thou emo types and you've got Cup a Joe pretty much covered. Everyone in there is so pretentious.

• Pros: Coffee
• Cons: Disgusting smoke

03/27/09

Good coffee/staff, could use some updates

by duchessbee

I visit Cup a Joe nearly every morning, and I usually stay for a bit even though I get my coffee and breakfast quickly. The staff is usually in great spirits for being up so early (I don't know how they do it) and put me in a good mood. The coffee is priced reasonably, but the baked goods are a little expensive for what they are. (2.50 for a small croissant, might as well get the chocolate one for the same price!) They usually have interesting art on the walls, and an open-mic on Friday nights.

After a while the staff gets to know everyone's regular drinks, but they have a pretty high turn-over rate (there is ALWAYS a "now hiring" sign in the window) so we have to "train" the new people to remember our drinks :) I wonder why people quit so often??

Some improvements I'd like to see:

-Fans in the smoking room or an air-cleaning machine. (My clothes stink when I leave, even sitting on the non-smoking side.)

-New tables and chairs: There are springs coming out of some of the chairs, the tables look like they were pulled out of the dumpster, etc. I'm not saying all new and modern, just re-covered, or polished, or something! Maybe some comfy leather or vinyl armchairs.

-Something other than just cream cheese for bagels--it's CC or nothing! Maybe just little packets of butter or jelly or honey to go!

The people-watching is great, though--a mix of professors, tattooed kids, families, and students. I am a little creeped out by the guy that stands in the hallway next to the service bar, though--he might be the owner/manager?

Overall, my favorite coffee shop in town, just could stand to make a few changes.

• Pros: Fast service, good coffee, artwork, people-watching
• Cons: Furniture, smokiness, expensive pastries

02/27/09

the best coffee.....friendly/efficient service....great for people watching

by lalala33

I stop at Cup a Joe every morning on the way to work.....even when I'm running late.....because I know that I will be in and out of there in less than 5 minutes and back on my way....with a delicious caffeinated beverage that my morning wouldn't be the same without. The staff is friendly. The prices are the lowest around. The coffee is the absolute best ANYWHERE!

• Pros: people watching
• Cons: has a smoking section....so gets smoky sometimes